Sichuan University faculty, students inspired by Xi's reply letter

As Sichuan University marked its 130th anniversary on Tuesday, a reply letter from President Xi Jinping has added special significance to the celebrations by bringing a renewed sense of pride, gratitude and responsibility to the faculty and students as they look to the university's future.

In the letter, President Xi highlighted the university's tradition of serving the country, taking root in western China and nurturing talent. He called on the university to carry forward its revolutionary heritage, draw on its strengths across the fields, and make new contributions to the country's strategic needs.

The history of Sichuan University dates back to the Sichuan Chinese and Western School founded in 1896, the earliest institution of higher learning in southwest China.

"Receiving President Xi's reply made me very proud of my school, and personally, I feel very proud and encouraged as well. I will continue contributing to the development of western China and doing more for the people," said Wang Shuangwei, a 2019 clinical medicine major of the West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University.

"President Xi called on us to carry forward our revolutionary heritage. I study modern and contemporary Chinese literature with a focus on Yan'an literature and art. His message connects what I study with my work, encouraging me to pursue rigorous research and produce meaningful work," said Sun Xujiang, a 2024 PhD student of the School of Chinese Language and Literature, Sichuan University.

That commitment to western China is also reflected in the work of Sichuan University alumni.

"The development of China's strategic hinterland needs young people from Sichuan University and other leading universities to come to western China and make their contribution. Our institute is based here in Chengdu, Sichuan, and we are also doing our part to contribute to the country's development," said Ran Zhiqiang, a Sichuan University alumnus, who is working for the Southwest Institute of Electronic Technology.

Interdisciplinary collaboration and alignment with national strategies are central to the message, and already deeply embedded in Sichuan University's work.

"Recently we use a special laser with a special wavelength and radiate to the head. And then it can make your hair recover from the hibernated state and try to grow some new hair," said Liu Changjun, vice dean of the School of Electronic and Information Engineering, Sichuan University.

Today, Sichuan University is also charting a new path toward building a world-class university with Chinese characteristics.

"I would like to see a very free exchange. And students from Sichuan University could come to the University of Western Australia to meet me, I welcome them. And in return, we could visit Sichuan University, because I know you're very strong here in various areas: human lung and gene, tuberculosis, hepatitis, and also there's a very strong dental school here as well. I know it's already happening, and I encourage more," said Barry Marshall, director of the University of Western Australia and Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine.

Sichuan University faculty, students inspired by Xi's reply letter

The U.S.-led coalition concluded its military mission in Iraq on Wednesday, marking the end of more than two decades of Western military presence that began with the 2003 invasion.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi on Wednesday announced the conclusion of the U.S.-led international coalition's mission to combat the Islamic State (IS) in Iraq.

On the same day, the Pentagon said the United States and its allies have officially ended Operation Inherent Resolve against the IS in Iraq.

To mark the occasion, the Iraqi government declared a four-day official holiday from September 30 to October 3, designated as "Sovereignty Day" celebrations.

"For Iraq, the withdrawal of U.S. forces means that national sovereignty is further fully implemented. Iraq will be able to decide its own stance independently. This is something to be happy about and an important moment of national significance," said Majid Al-Hasnawi, a resident.

Iraqi analysts echoed hopes that regaining full autonomy will accelerate domestic recovery.

"I think at this current time, the withdrawal of U.S. forces and international coalition troops will help promote the reconstruction process. Because the Iraqi people will rely on their own country's talents and institutions, and the people of this country will drive the national reconstruction themselves," said Faisal Radi, an economist.

The drawdown follows years of shifting security dynamics. The U.S. launched the Iraq War in 2003 and carried out a broad withdrawal in late 2011, leaving only a residual force.

In 2014, the Islamic State group seized vast territories across Iraq's west and north. The U.S.-led coalition to combat the extremist group was subsequently formed and deployed forces to Iraq.

In 2024, the U.S. and Iraq agreed on a two-phase transition to conclude the coalition's mission.

"Ending the foreign military presence is an important political decision made and being implemented by Iraq. The problem is that a foreign military presence may provide room for intervention in Iraq's domestic political affairs, and this kind of interference in Iraq's internal affairs is something the Iraqi side cannot accept," said Salah Boushi, director of the Iraq Center for Strategic Affairs.

U.S.-led coalition concludes military mission in Iraq